Tent camping opportunities in West Lebanon, New Hampshire center primarily around Appalachian Trail backcountry shelters and dispersed sites in surrounding national forests. Most camping locations sit at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet, with hiking distances typically required to reach designated sites. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime hours with cooler 50-60°F nights, making proper gear selection crucial for comfort.
What to do
Hike to swimming holes: During warmer months, the area near Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter offers natural swimming opportunities. According to one backpacker, "There was plenty of water at Stony Brook / Mink Brook a bit further northbound. I found a decent swimming hole to clean off a bit."
Summit Mount Cardigan: The Cardigan Campsites provide a strategic basecamp for climbing Mount Cardigan. One camper notes, "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!"
Winter snowshoeing: The network of trails around West Lebanon offers excellent winter recreation opportunities when properly equipped. Most backcountry sites remain accessible year-round though water sources often freeze, requiring melting snow for drinking water.
What campers like
Multi-level shelter options: Some backcountry shelters feature unique designs providing extra space. At Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter, "The shelter had a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably. The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing."
Reliable tent platforms: Many sites feature level surfaces ideal for camping beyond the shelters. At Winturri Backcountry Shelter, campers appreciate that "The shelter is on the larger side and could fit maybe 6-8 folks. There were lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter."
Bear protection infrastructure: Some sites provide enhanced security features. One hiker observed at Stony Brook shelter that "There was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont."
What you should know
Water availability varies seasonally: Water sources become unreliable during dry periods. At Trapper John Backcountry Campground, "There is a water source in the area but it did not have water when I visited (probably on account of the drought)."
Limited phone coverage: Cell reception ranges from spotty to nonexistent throughout much of the camping region. Particularly in valley areas and dense forest, service becomes unreliable.
Varying privy conditions: Bathroom facilities differ significantly between sites. One camper found "The privvy was relatively new and in great shape" at Happy Hill, while other locations may have more primitive facilities or none at all.
Tips for camping with families
Choose shelters with views: Some sites offer better scenic opportunities than others. At Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, families can appreciate "a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush with a view which was a great place to enjoy my freeze dried dinner."
Pack water treatment supplies: Given unreliable water sources, families should bring appropriate filters or treatment methods. Many streams require a 5-10 minute walk from actual camping areas.
Consider tent space requirements: Family-sized tents need appropriate spots. At Winturri, there are "lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter" that can accommodate larger tents.
Tips from RVers
Use established campgrounds as basecamps: Since the best tent camping near West Lebanon, New Hampshire requires hiking in, RVers should consider establishing a basecamp at developed campgrounds, then taking day hikes to explore backcountry areas.
Consider walk-in tent sites: Some campgrounds like Cardigan Skyline Camps offer walk-in tent sites that bridge the gap between drive-up camping and backcountry experiences while providing more amenities than wilderness sites.
Plan for limited services: The region offers minimal RV-specific infrastructure. Most backcountry sites are accessible only by foot, requiring separate plans for RV parking and security.
